90% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the CSSE (Essex & Southend)
The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex sets a maths paper and an English paper (comprehension plus continuous writing).
Stage
Paper
Questions
Time
CSSE
Maths
40
60 minutes
CSSE
English
12
60 minutes
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
How to prepare
The CSSE (Essex & Southend) covers maths and English. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
This test includes a piece of writing, so practise planning and writing a short story or description in a set time.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Kiran spends £4.33 and pays with a £10 note. What is the smallest number of coins Kiran can get in change?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 7
How to work it out
The change is £10.00 − £4.33 = £5.67.
Use the biggest coin that fits each time: £2 + £2 + £1 + 50p + 10p + 5p + 2p.
That is 7 coins.
Why the other options are wrong
B (5): Too few coins to make the change exactly.
C (6): Check the change again: one of the amounts has been missed.
D (8): This splits one coin into two smaller ones. Use the biggest coin that fits each time.
What entrance test does King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford use?
King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford uses the CSSE (Essex & Southend), which tests maths and English and includes a piece of writing. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 90% consistently in practice for a super-selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
Preparing for King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford?
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
Prism Learning is not affiliated with King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.